Month by Month: December Long Branch NJ

This month's layout from my Month-by-Month Scrapbooking book is an example. These photos were taken one evening after a busy holiday season day. Instead of hiding away and trying to tackle my seemingly endless to-do list, I sat and watched my boys race toy dump trucks around the family room. I knew what I'd title this layout immediately!

BE PRESENT. When I was growing up, winter was always a time for family. Given the seasonal nature of farm life, my dad was simply more available in the winter. When I married, I discovered that not all families have more time in December. In fact, it's often the other way around. Since I'm not ready to move back to farm life, these days I have to make more time in other ways. Often, I find that simply stepping back and appreciating the moment works the best. Rather than worry about the time I'm missing, I focus on what's in front of me.

This month's layout from my Month-by-Month Scrapbooking book is an example. These photos were taken one evening after a busy holiday season day. Instead of hiding away and trying to tackle my seemingly endless to-do list, I sat and watched my boys race toy dump trucks around the family room. I knew what I'd title this layout immediately! It's something I find myself telling my husband time and time again. I'm glad I took the time to capture this.

More Ideas for the Month

Here are three more ideas to consider this December:

1. Make hot cocoa. I'm not sure what it is, but making hot cocoa always seems to put everyone in a better mood. While you're at it, remember that some hot cocoa mix, packaged nicely with some peppermint stirrers, marshmallows and maybe a cool mug, makes a great little teacher/neighbor/hostess gift.

2. Document your nighttime routine. With the winter solstice just before Christmas, take advantage of the shortest day of the year to celebrate the longest night. If you don't have big plans, take a moment simply to record your "normal" nighttime routine.

3. Nix the excess packaging. Lately, I've had it with the unnecessary packaging manufacturers insist upon, especially for children's toys. Last year, I spent more time removing a single toy from its box than it took my boys to open all the rest of their packages. Since December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, I intend to remove toys from their packaging before I wrap them. Not only will it make Christmas morning run smoother, but just think of how much better the photos will be.

Take the Challenge

Here's one last challenge: for December, I challenge you to take some time away from the holiday hustle and bustle to scrapbook a layout about something non-holiday related. I find that switching gears like that actually helps my holiday spirit. Join in the fun, and you'll have the opportunity to win a copy of my book, Month-by-Month Scrapbooking ! Find out more at the Month-by-Month Scrapbooking group .

Free Sketches

Use these five sketches based on the layout above to help jump-start your creativity:

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